Vivian Shao Chen "Laurence" top review plus a v-neck bias binding tutorial

[@gracevaughn8132]

Beautiful makes!! Love both the top in the vintage tablecloth and the pants. For jewelry I wear a lot of vintage pieces I have picked up along the way and inherited many. I also make jewelry to fit my moods. A couple community arts center jewelry classes got me hooked. And I have a lot of my Mothers jewelry making supplies. And I mean serious jewelry making. Stone setting, lost wax cast Sterling silver rings with matching bracelets (my sister has the bracelets and I have the rings). Mom was an artist that never bloomed. But that is another story. 😢 yes, to jewelry!!

[@thebigsewalong]

Thank you Grace!🤗

[@goatgal5415]

Hi Gini, the Laurence is wonderful in both fabrics! Kudos for steeling yourself and cutting into that tablecloth. I think many of us probably have "that" stack: the vintage or even antique fabrics and trims we adore but leave folded and uncut on the shelf. It is undoubtedly our respect for fabric and vintage that prevents us from actually using those fabrics - which is crazy since we are honoring the fabric by transforming and making it useful again! So, brava for taking the plunge!!! You worked the placement of the design brilliantly for this top. That would be my favorite, wear it 'til it shreds summer top! I agree about simpler clothing silhouettes calling for bolder jewelry designs. Dainty and/or fussy jewelry just gets lost or seems unconsidered with this kind of clothing otherwise. I do think one needs to be sensitive to balance, however, and to not "o.d." My own preference is to keep the embellishments (jewelry) to one or two pieces max; say, those statement earrings, OR a bold necklace, OR a single large brooch or bracelet. Otherwise, I think you run the risk of creating visual cacophony where everything seems to be screaming for attention. Those RC earrings are terrific. Are you familiar with Monies and Werner Häring's Darkgem line? I think you might find these designs interesting. Thanks very much for this week's bias tutorial. As always, it is very helpful. Cheers! Jen

[@thebigsewalong]

Thanks Jen, this top is definitely going to be worn until it falls apart! As for the jewelry, I think you're right about one statement piece, although I hadn't quite figured that out 😂. I think it's the "visual cacophony" that was throwing me off every time I tried to put stuff together. I am not familiar with Werner Häring's Darkgem line but I'm going to look them up right now 🤗

[@AuntBecsCreations]

LOVE LOVE LOVE how you repurposed that vintage table cloth. OMGoodness that top is ADORABLE and BEAUTIFUL!!! I am of ZERO help when it comes to the jewelry and accessories as I wear very little jewelry myself.

[@thebigsewalong]

Thanks Becky!!🤗

[@kathecameron7984]

Love the top! And the idea of more jewelry... Hate to say statement but a little bit bigger 😊

[@charlottemccaig578]

I love the tablecloth top! Plus, I admire you actually cutting into one, lol. I can't even bring myself to cut into my Marcia Derse fabrics let alone a tablecloth. That said, I did buy yet another tablecloth at a thrift today. It's one of the machine made lace ones that I never buy but I saw a top that someone made from this type of cloth and it was beautiful. Hoping I can pick out the best pattern to use.

[@thebigsewalong]

YESSS! to tablecloth tops 😂

[@kathecameron7984]

I totally agree! It's so hard to cut some of the really "pretty" "special" (not sure what's the best word) fabrics!

[@m.e.huegraham8963]

Go bodacious, bold

[@alanna7782]

Perfect timing, I have this pattern cut out and ready to sew but was definitely staring a bit blankly at those v-neck binding instructions--this is so helpful! And your tablecloth version is delightful

[@thebigsewalong]

thank you Alanna! 🤗

[@robyn3349]

Thank you, Gini! A super 'series!' I love using old linens for garments - for the colors, patterns, and the fabric. Those old fabrics have quality! Bindings and Facings to the outside for the win! The most important thing about jewelry for me is the color. The color of the accessory can repeat or contrast with the garment colors. I do like those R Comey earrings for your top. Scale of accessories is a whole 'nother topic. Very personality related, I think.

[@thebigsewalong]

Thank you RobyN I like your repeat/contrast theory for the jewelry!

[@deb.m.7458]

I adore the table cloth tank ❤! Thanks for showing us the v neck bias binding method. Always avoided it because it was too fussy. Your method is simpler. Love your style.

[@thebigsewalong]

Thanks Deb!🤗

[@judithritner9696]

❤️ such a fun, informative, and inspiring video. Thank you for sharing both versions of your top. Also thanks for mentioning the neckline stretching issue. Did you adjust the length? I love your turquoise pants.🤗 I’m looking forward to seeing the slimmer ones too. The turquoise in your pant is beautiful. I’m so happy you are going to make the Baby Doll dress. It will be fun to see your make of it. Thank you again for your fun tutorials. Im looking forward to seeing the slim cuffed pant and your yummy Baby Doll dress. See you next week😊❤️

[@thebigsewalong]

Thanks Judith! For the Laurence top I did not adjust the length, so if you're taller than 5'3" or have a long waist you may want to add a little length 🤗

[@judithritner9696]

Thanks😊

[@kristinabathory8870]

Chunkier, "Brutalist" jewelry would be a perfect accompanyment to any of your creations. Also, when looking at necklace pieces, remember, with a longer piece you can wrap it around your neck twice to get a second look. So, if you have a boat neck, wear it long. If you have a V neck, double it up and wear it short. I have found, believe it or not, that vintage Chicos has a lot of brutalist stuff if you are looking for a name brand to search. Another tip, curtain tie backs with modest tassles make great necklaces. You can get some of those magnetic extender thingies that you can attach to the ends to make a quick fastner. I like to wear a more diminuative earring when wearing a large statement piece necklace. Cuff bracelets or stacked bangles work a treat as well.

[@thebigsewalong]

Great suggestions Kristina! Thank you so much! Totally going to try the tie back idea and I will keep an eye out for Chico's jewelry when I'm out thrifting!

[@karenprovost2035]

I second Chico’s, especially their sale jewelry section! I wear big earrings + big necklaces. Go big or go home is my motto!🤣

[@dorisamstutz5888]

I love the blue and white outfit on you. Such a perfect summer look. The vintage tablecloth top also looks so cute on you. Thanks for the bias binding tip.

[@thebigsewalong]

🤗

[@conniesmith9989]

Hi. Adorable. Thank you for sharing.

[@thebigsewalong]

Thanks Connie!

[@judyyavello9666]

Now there’s an idea…After engaging in Swedish death cleaning and unloading stuff, I had to run upstairs and see what I still have in vintage table cloths. I do have a pretty one. Now I have to decide whether to cut into it. Cuz God knows I don’t have enough fabric patiently waiting for me. Hmmm…

[@thebigsewalong]

😂😂😂

[@susiegoettel6627]

Recently found your Channel…Love It! Thank you🌹

[@thebigsewalong]

yay! I'm so glad you found me!!🤗

[@bluegrassdreams2seams510]

That top cut out of the tablecloth is something I love! Plus, I always prefer to sew on binding this way because I get a better finish than if I try it the other way. I couldn’t really tell what you did for the angle for the front, so next time can you show a sample in another thread color so we can see that line of stitching better. I don’t usually get the point correct so would like to see this. Thank you!

[@thebigsewalong]

Yes Cheryl, I will definitely use a different color thread so you can see it better and thank you so much for letting me know this is so helpful I can't tell you!🤗